UK butterfly populations show dramatic fluctuations amid climate change

The UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme reports record lows for small tortoiseshell and small pearl-bordered fritillary, while other species like the red admiral thrive.

Small tortoiseshell and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies hit record lows in the UK, with declines of 82% and 71% respectively since 1976.
Red admiral butterflies experience their best year on record, with populations more than tripling since the scheme began nearly 50 years ago.
Conservation efforts lead to record highs for species like the large blue, reintroduced to the UK after becoming extinct in the 1970s.
The mixed results highlight the impact of climate change and human activity on butterfly populations, with some species benefiting from warmer temperatures while others suffer.
Continued monitoring and conservation efforts are emphasized as essential for protecting butterfly species and their habitats amidst ongoing environmental challenges.